French Actress Isabelle Adjani Sentenced to 2 Years of Suspended Prison and €250,000 Fine for Tax Fraud
Renowned French actress Isabelle Adjani, 68, was sentenced on Thursday in Paris to two years of suspended imprisonment and a fine of €250,000 for tax evasion and money laundering.
The National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF) sought 18 months of suspended imprisonment, a €250,000 fine, and a two-year disqualification. Isabelle Adjani was found guilty of fraudulent residence in Portugal in 2016 and 2017, transferring a donation of €2 million as a loan, and transferring €120,000 through an undeclared American account.
The court emphasized the 'seriousness of the facts' leading to the evasion of €236,000 income tax and €1.2 million transfer taxes. The judge stated, 'These facts demonstrate a desire to hide from the tax administration by Isabelle Adjani' and 'seriously undermine the equality of citizens before taxes, hence the republican pact.'
The judge added, 'An actress of undeniable talent, she is no less a taxpayer.' The actress's lawyers expressed shock at the decision, stating, 'If Isabelle Adjani, who has always claimed her innocence, does not ask, given her popularity, to be judged better than others, there is no reason for her to be judged less favourably. Therefore, we will confidently and decisively propose an immediate appeal.'
Isabelle Adjani is known for roles in films such as 'One Deadly Summer' (1983), 'Camille Claudel' (1988), 'Queen Margot' (1994), and more recently, 'Masquerade' (2022). She holds a record five César Awards, two Cannes Film Festival Awards, and one Berlin International Film Festival Award.
Adjani has been actively involved in opposing anti-immigrant and anti-Algerian sentiments in France. She previously criticized a statement by Pope Benedict XVI, asserting that condoms are not an effective method of contraception.
The trial took place without the participation of the actress and singer. While she was in the United States, her lawyers requested a hearing postponement, citing, among other reasons, an 'acute necessity,' but the court rejected the request, expressing doubt about her 'true intention.'